Active & Discovery on the Rhône (Southbound) 2025
8 Day River Cruise Lyon to Arles
Tour Description:
Provence presents the ultimate field of dreams with row upon row of bursting purple haze. With its abundant menu of immersive experiences from Lyon to Arles, an Avalon Active & Discovery cruise along the Rhone presents the ultimate vacation of dreams. Bird watching from the seat of a bicycle. Gorge gorging from the perspective of a kayak. Wine tasting from the cool depths of a cave. These are just a few of the ways our wide array of Classic, Discovery and Active excursions lets you choose how to interact with the scenery, the artistic, and the culinary scenes of France. Whether you admire ancient masterpieces or join a painting workshop – devour haute cuisine or gobble up a French cooking class – the world is your oyster on an Active & Discovery cruise along the Rhone.Move.Enjoy a little get-up-and-go on your cruising vacation when you:•Join an urban hike through Lyon’s secret passageways for a glimpse into the city’s 19th-century silk trade. •Take in the panoramic views from the seat of a rail bike along the descent of the Gorges du Doux. •Cool off with a special underground wine tasting accompanied by a cave guide and winemaking expert.And be moved.Get off the beaten path and relish the world when you:•Join a cooking class in the gastronomic capital of Lyon and make your own Lyonnaise specialty.•Discover how essential oils are created at an authentic Provencal farmhouse.•Mimic the brushstrokes of Van Gogh in a painting workshop in Arles where the artist created some of his most famous works. Plus, Classic sightseeing is always available in every port along the way.Activate your senses and discover a world of wonder in all-new, entirely “you” ways on your personal, passion-packed cruise along the Rhone.
Click for larger view.
Dates & Pricing
Monday 28 Jul 25 — Tuesday 05 Aug 25 | Starting at $4,399 | Get a Quote | |
Monday 08 Sep 25 — Tuesday 16 Sep 25 | Starting at $3,849 | Get a Quote |
Destination & Sightseeing
Day 1 Lyon (Embarkation): | Onboard welcome reception |
Day 2 Lyon: | Choice of culinary tour, or guided urban hike, or cooking class |
Day 3 Tain l'Hermitage/Tournon-Viviers: | Choice of rail-bike tour along the Gorges du Doux, or guided hike in the vineyards, or guided tour of Tournon, or tour of the Valrhona factory and museum; Lyonnaise specialties cooking demonstration; evening guided tour in Viviers |
Day 4 Viviers-Avignon: | In Avignon choice of guided kayak trip down the Gorges de l'Ardèche, or guided hike in the Natural Reserve of Cirque d'Estre, or guided speleological excursion with wine tasting in the caves; evening guided tour of Viviers |
Day 5 Avignon: | Choice of guided tour, or guided mountain e-bike tour, or Provencal farmhouse experience |
Day 6 Arles: | Choice of guided tour in Arles, meeting a bullfighter, guided hike through the Hell Valley, or painting workshop |
Day 7 Port-Saint-Louis: | Choice of excursion to a local oyster farm with tasting, visit a bull ranch, or bike tour through the Camargue Regional Natural Park |
Day 8 Arles (Disembarkation): | Your cruise ends this morning |
- In the event of technical or water level issues, it may be necessary to operate the itinerary by motorcoach or alter the program, including hotel overnight when necessary.
- Guided Tours, Optional Excursions, activities, sailing and docking schedules may be contingent on weather conditions or other issues outside of our control and could therefore be subject to change at any time.
- Please check visa requirements with your local consulate(s); responsibility for obtaining visas rests with the traveler.
ITINERARY
Accommodations
Lyon | Marseille |
Superior First-Class
Hotel as shown or similar
44 Boulevard Vivier Merle Lyon France
Situated in Lyon, the Hotel has 168 elegant and air-conditioned rooms, fully furnished with a desk, a flat-screen TV, free WiFi, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with hairdryer and free toiletries. A buffet, continental or American breakfast is avaiable each morning at the property. Discover the gourmet dished at the elegant restaurant, the local and exotic cocktails all assembled by the mixologist at the bar, relax at the patio or enjoy the well equipped fitness area.